Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) are an integrating technology that can
enable a scientific approach to solving ecosystem-based
management questions. Within NMFS,
GIS is used for defining and mapping Essential Fish Habitat,
commenting on Section 7 consultations, planning and executing
living marine resource
surveys, habitat restoration, tracking marine mammals
and analyzing their foraging and migratory patterns,
mapping and analyzing commercial and recreational
fishing catch and effort, evaluating the effectiveness
of marine protected areas, and responding to natural
disasters... to name a few.

This website highlights these uses of GIS in NMFS and provides a forum
for exchanging knowledge between GIS practitioners at NMFS, NOAA, other
Federal agencies, and the general public.

What's New:

Check out "How NMFS uses GIS" for examples
of how GIS and spatial data play a fundamental role
in all of NMFS' programs.